Volume 2018 Number 2,
2018

Articles in this issue of Diabetes Lifestyle highlight
the added importance of social support in the
achievement of our health goals. And so it should
be – that is one of the many and complex reasons
why we have spouses, partners, families and friends.

Marion and Julian
Lurie have been
together for
31 years. When
they met, both of them had a
history of being overweight after
difficult previous marriages. They
each had a parent who had made it
difficult to be slim and there were often arguments in their first homes about their weight. Julian tried multiple diets, and would lose weight but then regain it – he was fond of junk-food takeaways. Marion put on weight because food felt like the only pleasure she had.

Behind every great man
is a woman standing
behind him, giving him
a look powerful enough
to melt a hole in the
space station shuttle.
Behind every man,
there should be a
woman, standing as a
reminder that he can
be better…

If you or a loved one have just been diagnosed
with diabetes, you may feel overwhelmed by
mixed emotions. Diabetes is a complex and
serious condition, and living with it every day
can be challenging. Part of that challenge is
that management of diabetes will largely rest in
your hands - this can be daunting. Be kind to
yourself and remember that small, positive steps
every day will make a difference in the long run.
This article will explore some ways to help you
learn and implement some vital self-management
practices.

Calls to eat more vegetables and fruit aren’t new
to us. Now, more than ever, we have adequate
and consistent evidence that consuming five
or more portions of fresh fruit and vegetables
per day protects us from diseases such as cancer,
heart disease, high blood pressure
and age-related eye
(macular) degeneration.

Technology is becoming an evermore
important part of our
lives, and this is also relevant in
the diabetes world. Although
access barriers to ground breaking
technologies still cause great frustration,
we can only hope that medical aids and
healthcare systems will see the value new
devices can add in suitable individuals
and support funding in the future.

Most people have some idea about eating
disorders such as obesity, anorexia and
bulimia. In the diabetes world, many
people know about ‘diabulimia’. But six other
seldom-spoken-about eating disorders can have a
big impact on diabetes management.

The concept behind Type One Run is quite simple -
people affected by type 1 diabetes get together and
go for a run… Everyone from beginner to athlete is
welcome. If you, a family member or a friend have
type 1 diabetes and have gone for a run before, you’re on
the team!

This is the third in a
series on skin
conditions
associated with
diabetes mellitus
(DM). Skin disorders
are present in
approximately 79 %
of people with
diabetes and may
appear as the first
sign of
undiagnosed
diabetes or develop
at any time in the
course of the
condition. Through
this series, we aim
to create
awareness of
things you can look
out for, personally,
and in your family
and friends. Always
seek medical
opinion and
attention from your
health care giver
should you have
any concerns.

One question has really been
bothering me for some time. I just
can’t seem to be able to answer it.
If I think deeply and ponder on the
question, I come up with reasons and
answers that just feel like excuses or liesA